Decorative Barrier Structure

ABSTRACT

A barrier structure for defining an outdoor space is provided. The barrier structure comprises a plurality of posts, a plurality of bottom rails, a plurality of top rails, and a plurality of pickets. The plurality of pickets comprises artificial foliage that is securable to the plurality of bottom rails and extends through the plurality of top rails. The artificial foliage typically resembles tapered evergreen trees.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,417 filed Apr. 16, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains generally to a decorative barrier fence, and more particularly to a natural-looking barrier fence with artificial foliage pickets for enclosing or defining an outdoor space.

BACKGROUND

Traditional fences contribute very little aesthetically to a yard or a property's landscape. Additionally, they oftentimes create an unwelcoming barrier between neighbors. However, not having a fence or barrier limits a homeowner's privacy. Pet owners are unable to easily contain their pets inside their yards. Furthermore, lack of a fence may allow wild and potentially dangerous animals such as stray dogs to freely wander into an open yard.

Consequently, there exists a need for a device designed to provide a natural-looking aesthetically pleasing enclosure around a yard or an outdoor space that can enhance and decorate a yard without offending neighbors. The proposed invention affords privacy to the property owner while still providing a welcoming and natural appearance without the time and hassle associated with installing traditional large solid privacy fencing. The invention may be used anywhere outdoors where there is a need to separate space, such as but not limited to yards, road median dividers, gardens, or around patios and gazebos.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed invention. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises an aesthetically pleasing barrier structure for enclosing or sectioning off an outdoor space. The barrier structure comprises a plurality of bottom rails and a plurality of top rails horizontally disposed between a plurality of posts. The posts are adapted to be set in holes in the ground to support the barrier structure. The barrier device further comprises a plurality of pickets comprising artificial foliage.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention of the barrier structure the plurality of bottom rails each comprise a plurality of cavities and the plurality of top rails each comprise a corresponding plurality of through holes. The artificial foliage may comprise a plurality of tapered artificial trees sized to substantially fit between the plurality of bottom rails and the plurality of top rails. Each of the plurality of artificial trees comprise a base securable to one of the plurality of cavities, a trunk extending out of the base running between one of the plurality of bottom rails and one of the plurality of top rails, and a top that attaches to the trunk and extends through one of the plurality of through holes essentially forming a tapered picket.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a barrier structure in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the barrier structure in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cut away view of a plurality of posts, a plurality of bottom rails, and a plurality of top rails of the barrier structure in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cut away view of a plurality of pickets of the barrier structure in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the barrier structure extending around a corner in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the novel embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. The invention relates generally to a decorative artificial foliage fence for enclosing an outdoor space.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a barrier structure 100 for use in enclosing or sectioning off a portion of an outdoor space or structure such as a yard, garden, patio, gazebo, pool, and the like. The barrier structure 100 comprises a plurality of posts 102, a plurality of bottom rails 108, a plurality of top rails 114, and a plurality of pickets 120. The plurality of posts 102 are inserted into the ground in a generally upright orientation allowing the barrier structure 100 to be free standing. As such, the barrier structure 100 is useful in restricting or preventing movement across an outdoor boundary and to visually section spaces.

The plurality of posts 102 are typically evenly spaced from each other, but may be adjusted to fit the requirements of the outdoor space as desired. The plurality of posts 102 are typically constructed of pressure treated and/or rot-resistant woods, however it is contemplated that other suitable materials, including without limitation wood/plastic composites, plastics, polymers, metals, and the like may be used without affecting the overall scope of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of posts 102 are approximately between 60 and 90 inches in height, although this is not meant as a limitation as the barrier structure 100 may be designed to fit a wide variety of spaces of smaller or larger dimensions. The plurality of posts 102 may comprise a plurality of end posts 104 and a plurality of interior posts 106. Furthermore, the plurality of posts 102 may be orientated in an approximately straight line as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, or orientated around a corner as illustrated in FIG. 5.

The plurality of bottom rails 108 and the plurality of top rails 114 are horizontally disposed between and substantially perpendicular to the plurality of posts 102. Additionally, the plurality of bottom rails 108 are substantially parallel to the plurality of top rails 114. Both the plurality of bottom rails 108 and the plurality of top rails 114 are approximately between 60 and 90 inches in length, although it is contemplated that the dimensions may be longer or shorter as desired. The materials used for the plurality of bottom rails 108 and the plurality of top rails 114 are typically the same materials as are used for the plurality of posts 102 as discussed supra

The plurality of bottom rails 108 are typically attached to the plurality of posts 102 approximately between two and six inches off of the ground. Similarly, the plurality of top rails 114 are typically attached to the plurality of posts 102 approximately between 36 and 60 inches off of the ground. As illustrated in FIG. 2, on level ground the plurality of bottom rails 108 and the plurality of top rails 114 are secured to the plurality of posts 102 at approximately the same height. However, as illustrated in FIG. 1, on sloped ground the plurality of bottom rails 108 and the plurality of top rails 114 may be secured to the plurality of posts 102 at different heights to accommodate the slope of the ground. The plurality of bottom rails 108 and the plurality of top rails 114 are typically secured to the plurality of posts 102 with deck screws; however, it is contemplated that other suitable fastening methods, including without limitation mechanical fasteners, adhesives, brackets, dowels, mortise and tenon joints, and the like may be used without affecting the overall scope of the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the plurality of bottom rails 108 comprises a plurality of cavities 110. The plurality of cavities 110 are approximately centered and are between ½ and 1 ½ inches deep into a topside of the plurality of bottom rails 108. The plurality of cavities 110 may be smooth bore or threaded. While the plurality of cavities 110 typically number three per rail, the barrier structure 100 may comprise a greater or lesser number per rail as desired and still be within the scope of the invention. Additionally, the plurality of cavities each has a cavity diameter 112 of approximately between ½ and 3 inches.

Each of the plurality of top rails 114 comprises a plurality of through holes 116. The plurality of through holes 116 are approximately centered on the plurality of top rails 114. The plurality of through holes 116 may be smooth bore or threaded and of the same number as the plurality of cavities 110. Additionally, the plurality of through holes 116 typically each have a through hole diameter 118 of approximately between ¼ and ¾ inches. While the through hole diameter 118 is preferably smaller than the cavity diameter 112, it is contemplated that the diameters may be the same as the cavity diameter 112 as well.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the plurality of pickets 120 are set between the plurality of posts 102 in an approximately parallel orientation and are substantially vertically orientated between and connect the plurality of bottom rails 108 to the plurality of top rails 114. The plurality of pickets 120 are configured to embed within the plurality of cavities 110 of the plurality of bottom rails 108 and penetrate the plurality of through holes 116 in the plurality of top rails 114. The number of the plurality of pickets 120 will be the same as the number of the plurality of cavities 110 and the plurality of through holes 116. The plurality of pickets 120 comprise artificial foliage 122, such as but not limited to artificial trees, artificial bushes, artificial plants, artificial topiaries, and the like. While the artificial foliage 122 are typically positioned approximately at equidistant intervals, the positioning may be staggered as desired. The artificial foliage 122 extends from the plurality of bottom rails 108 through the plurality of top rails 114.

Each of the artificial foliage 122 comprises a base 124, a trunk 126, a plurality of branches 128, and a top 132. The trunk 126 extends out of the base 124 and spans between the bottom rail 108 and the top rail 114. The trunk 124 is typically a wooden dowel, however this is not meant as a limitation as any other suitable materials used for the barrier device 100 as discussed supra may be used as well. The base 124 is set into and is securable to the cavity 110 with adhesives, mechanical fasteners, joints, or any method of attaching wood elements as is known in the art. Additionally the base 124 may comprise a screw thread if the cavity 110 is threaded. Although the trunks 126 are typically positioned approximately equidistant from each other, this is not meant as a limitation as embodiments where the trunks are staggered or asymmetrically positioned are contemplated as well.

The plurality of branches 128 extend out of each trunk 126. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of branches are ultra violet protected synthetic pine garland branches with a twisted wire base similar in manufacture to an artificial Christmas tree. However, any other type of artificial foliage manufacture as is known in the art may be used as well. The twisted wire bases may be inserted and secured to the trunk 126 at a plurality of graduated or staggered intervals so as to create a natural appearance.

Typically, the plurality of artificial foliage 122 are tapered so that the plurality of branches 128 are wider toward the base 124 and narrower toward the top 132 along the trunk 126. The plurality of branches 128 are cut in graduating lengths and glued or secured in place in the tapered pattern. Alternatively, the artificial foliage 122 may follow a non-tapered pattern. The plurality of branches 128 may be consistent in length along the trunk 126, or even follow a different pattern such as but not limited to a rounded or other geometric shape as desired. The top 132 is typically an artificial tree topper or an artificial foliage attachment top that extends through the through hole 116 and attaches to the trunk 126. The top 132 is attachable to the trunk 126 with adhesives, mechanical fasteners, joints, or any method of attaching wood elements as is known in the art.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A barrier structure comprising: a plurality of posts; a plurality of bottom rails horizontally disposed between the plurality of posts; a plurality of top rails horizontally disposed between the plurality of posts; and a plurality of pickets set between the posts for connecting the plurality of bottom rails to the plurality of top rails, wherein the plurality of pickets comprise artificial foliage.
 2. The barrier structure of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of bottom rails comprises a plurality of cavities.
 3. The barrier structure of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of top rails comprises a plurality of through holes.
 4. The barrier structure of claim 3, wherein a diameter of the plurality of cavities is larger than a diameter of the plurality of through holes.
 5. The barrier structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of artificial foliage are artificial trees each comprising a base, a trunk extending out of the base, a plurality of branches protruding from the trunk, and a top attachable to the trunk.
 6. The barrier structure of claim 5, wherein each of the artificial trees is tapered so that the plurality of branches is wider toward the base and narrower toward the top.
 7. A barrier structure for enclosing an outdoor space comprising: a plurality of posts; a plurality of bottom rails horizontally disposed between the plurality of posts wherein each of the plurality of bottom rails comprises a plurality of cavities; and a plurality of top rails horizontally disposed between the plurality of posts, wherein each of the plurality of top rails comprises a plurality of through holes; and a plurality of pickets set between the posts configured to embed within the plurality of cavities of the plurality of bottom rails and penetrate the plurality of through holes in the plurality of top rails; and wherein the plurality of pickets comprise artificial foliage each comprising a base, a trunk, and a top.
 8. The barrier structure of claim 7, wherein a diameter of the plurality of cavities is larger than a diameter of the plurality of through holes.
 9. The barrier structure of claim 7, wherein the plurality of artificial foliage each further comprise a plurality of branches protruding from the trunk.
 10. The barrier structure of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of artificial foliage is tapered so that the plurality of branches is wider toward the base and narrower toward the top.
 11. The barrier structure of claim 9, wherein the plurality of branches is consistent in length along the trunk.
 12. The barrier structure of claim 7, wherein the trunks of each of the plurality of artificial foliage are positioned substantially equidistant from each other.
 13. The barrier structure of claim 12, wherein the plurality of bottom rails are substantially parallel to the plurality of top rails.
 14. A barrier structure for enclosing an outdoor space comprising: a plurality of posts; a plurality of bottom rails horizontally disposed between the plurality of posts wherein each of the plurality of bottom rails comprises a plurality of cavities; and a plurality of top rails horizontally disposed between the plurality of posts, wherein each of the plurality of top rails comprises a plurality of through holes; and a plurality of pickets set between the posts configured to embed within the plurality of cavities of the plurality of bottom rails and penetrate the plurality of through holes in the plurality of top rails; and wherein the plurality of pickets comprise artificial foliage each comprising a base securable to one of the plurality of cavities, a trunk extending between one of the plurality of bottom rails and one of the plurality of top rails, a plurality of branches extending out of the trunk, and a top attachable to the trunk extending through one of the plurality of through holes.
 15. The barrier structure of claim 14, wherein a diameter of the plurality of cavities is larger than a diameter of the plurality of through holes.
 16. The barrier structure of claim 15, wherein the artificial foliage comprises at least one of the following: artificial trees, artificial bushes, and artificial plants.
 17. The barrier structure of claim 16, wherein the artificial foliage is not tapered.
 18. The barrier structure of claim 16, wherein each of the artificial foliage is tapered so that the plurality of branches is wider in length toward the base and narrower in length toward the top.
 19. The barrier structure of claim 18, wherein there are three cavities in each of the bottom rails.
 20. The barrier structure of claim 19, wherein each base comprises a screw thread for securing to each of the plurality of cavities. 